“Les Misérables” will be entitled to its cinema prequel, centered on Jean Valjean

CINEMA – He is one of the best-known characters in French literature. After multiple film adaptations of the novel Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, but also in the theater, or in series, a new version will see the light of day. This time, however, it will not bring the entire story to the screen but will focus on a decisive part of Jean Valjean’s life: his release from prison and his meeting with Monseigneur Bienvenu.

In the novel published in 1862, Jean Valjean is released from the prison of Toulon in 1815, after 19 years of forced labor. Inhabited by anger and a deep feeling of injustice, his humanity fades away and he no longer trusts anything or anyone. But one fine day, a priest who lives with his sister and her servant, offers hospitality to the poor man. The kind welcome from Monseigneur Bienvenu will disturb Jean Valjean who must make a choice between the definitive actions inspired by his hatred of the world and the acceptance of this outstretched hand.

Director Éric Besnard offers the leading role to an actor he knows well since it is Grégory Gadebois who plays Jean Valjean in this drama. The actor was on the bill for Louise Violet, Simple and Delicious Thingsthe last three films of the director, but also of the series Zorro. Just like him, Isabelle Carré (Remembering the beautiful things) et Alexandra Lamy (One guy, one girl), who play the priest’s sister and servant, respectively played in Delicious et Louise Violet. As for Monseigneur Bienvenu, he is played by Bernard Campan (The Three Brothers).

Filming has just started this Tuesday, January 14 and is scheduled to continue until February 27. The release date is still unknown. You will have to be patient to discover this pivotal episode in the life of Jean Valjean’s character in the cinema.

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